Church of San Giovanni a Carbonara

The Church of San Giovanni a Carbonara, located in Naples, is one of the Gothic and Renaissance masterpieces of the city. Founded in the 14th century thanks to donations from the patrician Gualtiero Galeota, the church has a rich and complex history, marked by expansions and restorations that have enriched its architecture and artistic heritage. The construction of the church began in 1339 and was completed in 1343, originally serving an Augustinian convent. The church stands out for its irregular plan, due to subsequent architectural interventions that have modified its original orientation. The main entrance is marked by a dramatic double-ramp staircase in piperno, designed by Ferdinando Sanfelice in the 18th century, which leads directly to the Gothic portal decorated with Renaissance sculptures. Inside, the church features a rectangular single nave with seven side chapels, each rich in decorations and works of art. The wooden truss ceiling and the vaulted apse give the environment a solemn and austere atmosphere. The main altar, located in the apse area, is dominated by the funerary monument of King Ladislaus, sculpted by Andrea da Firenze in the 15th century. This imposing tomb is one of the most important works of the church, depicting the king in a triumphant attitude, surrounded by allegorical figures. The church is also famous for the Caracciolo chapels, commissioned by influential Neapolitan families. The Caracciolo di Vico Chapel, to the left of the main altar, houses family tombs and works by artists such as Giovanni da Nola, Girolamo Santacroce, and Diego de Siloé. The Caracciolo del Sole Chapel, located behind the apse, was commissioned by Sergianni Caracciolo and decorated with frescoes by Leonardo da Besozzo and sculptures by Andrea Guardi. Another element of great interest is the Somma Chapel, located behind the façade. Built in the 16th century, this chapel is decorated with a cycle of frescoes depicting the Stories of the Passion of Christ and Prophets, executed by an anonymous Neapolitan artist. The altar of the chapel is a masterpiece of Neapolitan Renaissance, created by Giovanni Domenico D’Auria and Annibale Caccavello. The sacristy of the church is another artistic gem, decorated with paintings and sacred furnishings of great value. Originally, this room housed sixteen panels painted by Giorgio Vasari and Cristoforo Gherardi, which are now located in the National Museum of Capodimonte. The complex of San Giovanni a Carbonara also includes the Augustinian convent, which played an important role in the cultural life of Naples. During the Renaissance, the convent was a meeting place for intellectuals and artists such as Giovanni Pontano and Jacopo Sannazaro. The cloisters of the convent, including the Cloister of Ladislaus and the Cloister of the Porteria, are magnificent examples of monastic architecture. Over the centuries, the church and the convent have undergone numerous restorations and modifications. The earthquake of 1688 and the bombings of the Second World War caused serious damage, but each intervention has contributed to preserving and enhancing the important historical and artistic heritage of the complex.